31 Maret 2016

Lockheed Martin Integrated Test Team start Aegis Combat System integration and testing. (photo : Lockheed Martin)ADELAIDE, Australia – Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Test Team (ITT) begins Aegis combat system integration and testing aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) first Aegis-equipped Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD), HOBART.The Aegis Combat System testing will be facilitated by Lockheed Martin engineers and technicians who are responsible for testing the Aegis Combat System to ensure the equipment is properly installed and functional.“The Lockheed Martin team has successfully brought Aegis to life,” said Rob Milligan, Lockheed Martin Australia, surface ships program lead. “Our team is dedicated to ensuring the successful delivery of HOBART’s Aegis capability to the Royal Australian Navy.”Lockheed Martin anticipated the need for the future Australian domestic sustainment of Aegis on AWD several years prior to this event. Lockheed Martin used internal funds to develop specialist skills in the Aegis Combat System for our Australian AWD Program workforce. “We strengthened the AWD test team which now includes experienced Lockheed Martin engineers and technicians from both Australia and the U.S. to conduct the Aegis combat systems integration,” Milligan added.The Hobart-class destroyers are being built under Australia’s SEA 4000 program, which will ultimately deliver three advanced multirole ships. These ships will be Australia’s first ships to be equipped with Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Weapon System including the SPY-1D(V) radar. When paired with the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, Aegis is capable of delivering missiles for every mission and threat environment in naval warfare. The RAN has received the Lockheed Martin Aegis Baseline 8 configuration, which integrates commercial-off-the-shelf technology and open architecture into the combat system.“This milestone is a significant step towards an increase in the Royal Australian Navy’s maritime security capabilities through the seamless integration of the Aegis combat system to defend against advanced air, surface and subsurface threats,” said Commodore Craig Bourke, CSC, RAN Program Manager Air Warfare Destroyer “With more than 100 Aegis-equipped ships deployed worldwide, Australia is joining a family of allied nations that continues to push the boundaries of innovation with adaptable and affordable capabilities that meet the warfighter’s multi-mission needs.”Lockheed Martin is the Aegis Combat Systems Integrator and engineering agent for the U.S. Navy Aegis destroyers and cruisers, Australian Air Warfare Destroyers, as well as a range of other international customers for both new construction and modernisations. Lockheed Martin also provides the combat system engineering, integration and test for the U.S. Navy’s future frigate and Freedom class Littoral Combat Ship programs.With more than 40 years of significant investment by the U.S. Navy and its allies, the Aegis Combat System is used globally by five navies, across seven ship classes. Lockheed Martin is the trusted Aegis Combat Systems Integration partner to governments around the world, enabling mission ready, combat capable ships affordably and timely to the fleet.(Lockheed Martin)

GRSE Kamorta class has 109m in length and 3.400 ton in full load displacement (photo : defenceforumindia)The Philippine Navy may soon operate two brand-new Indian made frigates. This is after Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said that an Indian government-owned shipbuilder Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers is currently undergoing post-qualification process.Manalo is responsible for Department of National Defense finance, munition, materiel and modernization.In February, DND released a document informing prospective bidders of changes in the bidding documents including the Technical Specifications of the Frigate Acquisition Program for Philippine Navy.According to the said document, the Philippine government is acquiring two (2) Frigates with design that the Philippine Navy can have ownership or license to manufacture/build in future. The revised technical specification also stipulated that the frigates should be at least 92 meters long and have a displacement of at least 2000 tons.The frigates should also be able to accommodate a 12-ton helicopter (from 10-ton) at flight deck, and should also have a hangar for a 10-ton helicopter.Six firms including Navantia Sepi of Spain, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding of South Korea, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. of South Korea, Hyundai Heavy Industries Inc. of South Korea, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. of India, and STX France SA previously qualified in the 2013 first stage bidding.Meanwhile, DND and AgustaWestland signed Tuesday the contract that will provide Philippine Navy with two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters. These helicopters will be on-board component of frigates being acquired.Two missile-armed frigates and ASW helicopters together with amphibious assault vehicles, two long-range patrol aircraft, six close-air support aircraft, munition for the brand-new FA-50PH jet fighters and surveillance radars are projects approved by President Aquino to be under “multi-year contract”. These projects will be financed until 2018.(Update)

The Global Komited GKM1 Starstreak LML-NG carrier prototype on static display at the Tanjung Logok Ground to Air Firing Range during Starstreak missile firings on 28 March. (photo : Jane's, Malaysian Defence)The Malaysian Armed Forces carried out a live firing exercise on March 28 with the Thales Starstreak missile as part of its preparation for the 2018 service entry of the Starstreak Lightweight Multiple Launcher - Next Generation (LML-NG).The firing took place at the Tanjung Logok Ground to Air Firing Range located in Peninsular Malaysia on the east coast of the southern state of Johor, with a total of three missiles fired by composite teams drawn from the Malaysian Army's 32nd Royal Artillery Regiment, the Royal Malaysian Navy's Base Air Defence Unit, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force's 401 GBAD (Ground Base Air Defence) Squadron. The missiles were fired at a Meggitt BTT-3 Banshee target drone, with two firings declared as hits. A fourth launch was called off due to time constraints.

The live missiles had only arrived in Malaysia on 25 March and no live firing practice had been carried out prior to the event. Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, who was observing the exercise, told a media conference there that the live missiles formed part of the GBP100 million (USD142 million) Starstreak contract that Malaysia formally ratified on 15 September last year at the DSEI exhibition in London. Under the contract Malaysia's stock of phased-out Starburst missiles were exchanged for Starstreak rounds for the Malaysian armed forces to use for practice firings. The minister did not disclose the number of missiles exchanged.

The last of Malaysia's Starburst systems, operated by all three services, were phased out from the RMAF's two GBAD squadrons in 2013.During a briefing held prior to the firing, it was stated that a total of 26 personnel had so far been trained on the Starstreak system at a Thales facility in the United Kingdom. Additional Starstreak firings are scheduled for October at Tanjung Logok.

Malaysia's Starstreak contract, which covers an undisclosed number of launchers, also includes the Starstreak/Rapid Ranger system and the LML-NG system's integration onto a Global Komited Toyota-based 4x4 GKM1 light utility vehicle.(Jane's)

R/V Melville (photo : port2portandbeyond)MANILA (PNA) -- The R/V Melville, which was one of the two ships pledged by President Barack Obama to the Philippines last November, is expected to arrive in the country by third week of June.This was confirmed by Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in message to the PNA Tuesday.He said that the 30 PN contingent, which will serve as the R/V Melville's sailing crew, has already arrived in San Diego, California last March 21."(The crew) are scheduled for familiarization and orientation on the operation and maintenance of various equipment aboard the vessel," Lincuna said.The R/V Melville will be manned by the above-mentioned PN personnel and is expected to be in the Philippines by third week of June, he added.Obama pledged to donate the R/V Melville and USGCC Boutwell to the Philippines during his visit to the country during the APEC Leaders' Summit last November 17, 2015.The R/V Melville (T-AGOR-14) -- is a research vessel operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography for oceanographic research.She is the oldest active vessel in the academic research fleet, collectively known as the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System.The R/V Melville has a displacement of 2,944 long tons and a length of 279 feet and a beam of 46 feet.The ship has a draft of 16 feet and 6 inches.Her propulsion system consists of two 1,385 hp Propulsion General Electric motors, Bow Thruster: 900 hp retractable Azimuth-compensating bow thruster, Two 1385 hp Z-Drive Lips propellers, giving her a cruising speed of 11. 7 knots (21.7 kilometers) and a maximum speed of 14 knots (26 kilometers).The R/V Melville has a range of 10,061 nautical miles (18,633 kilometers). (PNA)

Two tugboat TK600. (photos : BaoDatViet)Morning 28/3, Company Hai Ming (Factory X51) has handed over two tugs TK600 for the Navy.This is the second vessel stationed in the third and Plant Shipbuilding X51 project of the Management Board of Public Works Changsha (Navy). TK600 first ship bearing number 982 was handed over to the Navy in 2013.Before being handed over to the Navy, dated 10.23.2015, the Company Minh Hai has launched two tugs ceremony TK600-02 and TK600-03.TK600 is a form of vessel towing tug boats docked and floating facilities at the naval base; sent ships, floating facilities for repair.In addition, the ship can also be used to rescue remedial disasters, search and rescue coast and other tasks.Boats by the Institute of Naval Engineering design with two engines, two propellers and hybrid 2 major electricity generators. 22 m long, 6 m wide, 160 tons of water relaxation, maximum speed 10 knots / h.

TK600 is equipped with central air conditioning system with the rescue equipment, marine modern synchronized information to ensure independent operation 10 consecutive days and nights at sea.According to Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Trai, Deputy Director of Minh Hai, after putting into operation, these units will contribute TK600 reduce difficulties in rescue work to overcome consequences of natural disasters, search and rescue, reduce least damage to people and property when disaster occurs.Reportedly, the company Hai Minh has successfully closed several ships of good quality and stable performance.In late 2013, in Hanoi, Hai Minh Company and Coast Guard Command has organized the newbuilding contract Reconnaissance 500CV (symbol designed TS-500CV).At the signing ceremony, the two sides discussed the terms of the contract and agreed to sign the minutes of the newbuilding contracts TS-500CV reconnaissance units 1, to ensure compliance with prescribed procedures.This type of ship steel casing, which functions and tasks are: reconnaissance, maritime law enforcement; fishing, seafood, combining economic activities and other tasks assigned to them.(BaoDatViet)

29 Maret 2016

Three Balikpapan-class heavy landing crafts (LCH) docked in Santiago Shipyard in Cebu (photo : pdff)MANILA (PNA) -- The last three LCHs (landing craft heavies), out of the five pledged by the Australian Government to the Philippines, have finally arrived in Liloan, Cebu City last March 26.This was announced by Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in an interview Monday.The ships were transported aboard a cargo vessel of the NTG Shipping. Two of the LCHs were picked up in Darwin and another one in Cairns, Australia.The LCHs were off-loaded in Liloan, Cebu 10: 30 a.m. last March 26.Lincuna said the vessels will be moved from Cebu to the PN shipyard in Sangley Point, Cavite by mid-May, in time for the Navy's 118th founding anniversary.The LCHs are former ships of the Royal Australian Navy and identified as the HMAS Balikpapan (L-126), HMAS Wewak (L-130) and HMAS Betano (L-133).The three are sisters to BRP Ivatan (formerly HMAS Tarakan) and BRP Batak (ex-HMAS Brunei) which were commissioned into PN service last August 10, 2015.The first two LCHs were donated by the Australian Government to the Philippines in November 2014.The three were sold for the "friendship price "of PHP270 million."With their capability of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment, these vessels will bolster the PN's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations (HADR). They will also be useful in transporting troops from one operational area to another especially during amphibious operations," Lincuna stressed.Correspondingly, the PN initiated necessary preparations and other training activities last year to ensure the competent crewing of these ships which will be validated once they assume their posts.The operational readiness training is deemed to be dynamic and adaptable to changes. At present, more or less 30 PN personnel are assigned aboardship while the vessel will undergo minor repairs and refurbishment, including the fitting of .50 caliber machine guns as defensive weaponry."The acquisition of additional capabilities of our Navy further translates into offering better service to our maritime nation as we continue to protect our country, step up commitment for HADR and our continuing pledge to provide assistance to our Filipino people in all corners of the archipelago. These new assets are manifestations of our Navy’s optimum readiness to perform its tasks and the ability to adapt vis-a-vis the emergent operating environment," he added.LCHs are an extremely versatile vessel, capable of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment from larger ships to shore.A very shallow draft (two meters) allows these ships to deliver personnel and equipment to areas otherwise unreachable especially during HADR missions.It is an all-welded twin-screw vessel, able to trans-ship cargo and supplies from ships lying offshore to water terminals or across the beach.Maximum cargo load is governed by the load-fuel balance and varies between 140 and 180 tons.A typical load of 175 ton gives the LCHs a range of 1,300 nautical miles, increasing to 2,280 nautical miles for a load of 150 tons.Up to five shipping containers with HADR supplies and equipment can also be embarked.LCHs have a draft of two meters, length of 44.5 meters, beam of 10.1 meters and displacement of 364 tons.It has a speed to 10 to 13 knots and a range of 3,000 nautical miles and a crew of 15. (PNA)

Su-35 Fighter (photo : allwidewallpapers)The success of Russia at the world war that Syria interested in the new weapons being tested by fire here, including Su-35 fighter. Vietnam is said to want to buy one squadron Su-35, according to the Kommersant newspaper.

Financial columnist Kommersant said 28.3 days according to sources from the technical cooperation agency - Russian military (FSMTC), the agency recently has received many requests from Asian and African cacnuoc want to buy aircraft Russia's new fighter, and the value of these contracts far exceeds the cost of Russian money for the war in Syria.FSMTC said in October 12.2015, the Algeria has ordered 12 fighter bomber Su-32 (export version of the Su-34), the minimum price of $ 600 million. Algeria also asked to be assigned 1 Su-35 fighters in Tamanrasset testing grounds for testing the aircraft and its equipment. Kommersant said that Algeria will buy at least 10 Su-35 and this contract at least 850-900 million."Indonesia, Vietnam and Pakistan are interested in Su-35. Indonesia and Vietnam want to have Su-35 to supplement the Su-30MK2 aircraft fleet was ordered earlier. Jakarta said it would purchase 10 units, Hanoi is also in talks to buy up to 1 Su-35 fleet, "the source told Kommersant from FSMTC. A common fleet to 12 aircraft.Both contracts by Vietnam and Indonesia if the gain is worth billions of dollars per contract.Pakistan also ordered six planes Su-35 (worth about $ 500 million).Not to mention the type of aircraft, other Russian weapons capability expressed through war Syria also attract international customers.That helicopter gunships Mi-28NE, transport aircraft Il-76 for Algeria, Ka-52 for Egypt, and particularly the T-90 is the Gulf countries are interested in following the event rebels Syria used the American TOW missile hit one tank T-90 of Syrian government troops without causing any harm to the increase both!Air defense missile system S-400 long-range is also being Saudi Arabia attention.The total value of the contract to buy new weapons, if achieved would be worth 6-7 billion dollars, so a bargain compared to the cost of 33 billion rubles ($ 480 million) that Russia pays for the war in Syria.In summary, after 6 months of the war in Syria, Russia has adopted the tactic of "an arrow down 2 bird". It is a medium surface combat capability training of soldiers on the battlefield, where powerful demonstration of the new weapon to attract the attention of customers, according to Kommersant quoted a defense official.(Tinnong)

28 Maret 2016

New crew of RV Melville from the Philippine Navy (photo : PN)A Philippine Navy team is now in United States for the transfer of research vessel RV Melville. This was confirmed in a post on RV Melville’s Twitter account managed by the vessel’s American crew.“Today I have the pleasure of meeting my new crew…Philippine Navy!” said in the post dated March 22 with photo of Filipino crew.

RV Melville (photo : jetlagged79)Melville is the oldest active vessel in the academic research fleet, collectively known as the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS).US President Barack Obama announced that the US is donating the USCGC Boutwell to Philippines along with the research vessel, RV Melville during his visit to the Philippines last November 17. Obama traveled to Manila in November 2015 for the APEC Leaders’ Summit.(Update)

A Tiger aboard the now-retired HMAS Kanimbla in 2010. (photo : Aus DoD)First of class flight trials of the Army’s Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter from the Navy’s LHD amphibious assault ships is planned for the first quarter of 2017, the Department of Defence has confirmed.“First of class flight trials is planned to be conducted in the first quarter of 2017. Results from this activity and the deck handling trials will provide a basis for establishing the applicable ship-helicopter operating limit for the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter/Landing Helicopter Dock combination,” a Defence spokesperson told Australian Defence Business Review via email on Monday.Flight trials will follow deck handling trials planned for June, the spokesperson said, when HMAS Adelaide is alongside in Brisbane.“This aims to confirm that LHD flightdeck markings and aircraft securing fittings are suitable for Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter operations. Additionally, aircraft lifts, mechanical handlers, hangar arrangements and procedures will be assessed for suitability in moving, storing, securing and controlling the aircraft – including associated aerospace ground equipment, weapons, explosive ordnance and role equipment,” the spokesperson said.“The deck handling phase will also include assessment of aircraft jacking and engine/blade removal procedures. The deck handling trial will also provide an opportunity for training and familiarisation of LHD Air Department personnel with ARH explosive ordnance and deck handling procedures.”Further, the spokesperson noted: “The trials schedule aims to identify potential ship/helicopter interface issues and seek to establish safe operating procedures and limitations for the combination.”(ADBR)

TT-400TP cannon ship. (photo : Kienthuc, defence.pk)According to the Russian press, it is negotiating with Vietnam to support close range TT-400TP warships upgrade.In an interview with the Russian press in February 2016, the director of the shipyard Mid-Nevsky Vladimir Seredoho said that, the factory is preparing to sign a contract with the Vietnam People's Navy to the after-sales service terms of projects warships in the 2016 TT-400TP this."We're done for six ships of TT-400TP project for the Navy in Vietnam. These ships have already been distributed in Vietnam Navy. Today we are preparing a contract after-sales service with Vietnam, when the warranty period expires in 2016, "said Seredoho.According to Mr Vladimir Seredoho, parallel to the negotiations on after-sales services are continuing negotiations on building a series of warships TT-400TP upgrade."The shape of the ship will be like, Vietnam partners have not decided. Before the end of 2016, we will proceed with the signing of the contract," he said Seredoho.

TT-400TP warships patrol boats variations or TT-400 is produced by Factory Z173 (Company Hong Ha).The vessel has a length of 54 m, width 9.1 m, full load of 480 tons of water relaxation, maximum speed 32 knots / hour, maximum range of 2,500 nautical miles. The ship can operate continuously at sea for 30 days and nights, with combat capability in the 5 wave conditions.But TT-400TP is domestic product of Vietnam, but the system of sensors, radar and weapons on board were Russian-made. So it's no wonder to say that Russia join TT-400TP ship cannon.TT-400TP firepower with gunboats 76,2mm caliber AK-176 (range 15 km), high-speed anti-aircraft artillery AK-630 (4 km range, rate of fire of 5,000 player / min), 2 Dalian 14 , 5mm and low-altitude air defense missile Igla (16 results).(KienThuc)

26 Maret 2016

"Kvadrat-M" Air Defence System of Myanmar (photos : Defence Blog)Myanmar to showcase modernized "Kvadrat-M" Air Defence System on military parade.The «Kvadrat-M» is an modernized Surface to Air Missile system developed by Belarusian company Alevkurp JSC. The "Kvadrat-M" using a MZKT-6922 lightweight wheeled chassis similar to that used by the "Buk-2M" and "Tor".

Repairs to the modernization of "Kvadrat-M" made of "ALEVKURP" together with JSC “Plant 2566 repair electronic equipment” (RB).As anti-aircraft missiles are, with high probability, not be used outdated original 3M9 missiles and rockets from SAM “Buk-M1” or “Buk-M1-2” – 9M38M1 or 9M317E respectively (Russia recently supplied the weapons for SAM 9M317E Belarusian air defense system “Buk-MB”, which was exported to Azerbaijan).(Defence Blog)

PAF SF-260 training aircraft (photo : PAF)MANILA (PNA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated Php33,055,587.49 for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the maintenance of one of its SIAI-Marchetti SF-260TP training aircraft.Submission and opening of bids is on March 31 at 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.This was disclosed by PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brig. Gen. Nicolas Parilla in a bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System.Prospective bidders should have an experience in a similar project within the last five years.The SF-260 is an Italian light aircraft marketed as an aerobatics and military trainer.It was designed by Stelio Frati, originally for Aviamilano, which flew the first prototype of it (then designated F.260) on July 15, 1964.Actual production was undertaken when SIAI Marchetti purchased the design soon thereafter and continued with this firm until the company was bought by Aermacchi in 1997.The military versions are popular with smaller air forces, which can also arm it for use in the close-support role.The PAF is known to operate between 10 and 18 units of the aircraft in its inventory. (PNA)

Solyam 155mm howitzer of Philippines Army (photo : pdff)The Army expects to receive additional fire-support vehicles and artillery pieces this year, as it boosts its capabilities under the ongoing modernization program of the Armed Forces.This was revealed by Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año, Army commander, during the service’s 119th anniversary celebration at Fort Andres Bonifacio, Makati City, which was attended by top defense and military officials.“We are also expecting the arrival this year of additional infantry fighting and fire-support vehicles, 155-millimeter howitzers, light- utility vehicles, 60-mm mortars, 40-mm grenade launchers, rocket launcher light units and 50-watt armored vehicle-configuration radios,” Año said.He said the equipment should allow the Army to respond to challenges against national security, including those coming from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Abu Sayyaf and other threat groups.Año said that last year, the Army received its delivery of 56,843 pieces of M-4 carbines, 124 armored vehicles, including six armored vehicles with remote-controlled weapon systems and more than 300 light-utility vehicles.The armored vehicles included those that have been delivered by Elbit Systems of Israel and the US, which turned over refurbished APCs under its Excess Defense Article program.“These deliveries will beef up our ground forces in conventional or unconventional fighting,” Año said.Likewise, the Army chief said the service has received more than 2,000 radio transceivers and other communication equipment for effective command and control system.Meanwhile, a senior officer partly blamed for the slaughter of 44 Special Action Force members during an antiterrorism operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, last year, led this year the Army’s awardees.Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the Sixth Infantry Kampilan Division, was recognized for his “role in promoting peace, reconciliation and development in Central Mindanao.”The Army said Pangilinan “received the Gawad sa Kapayapaan award for his significant contributions to internal peace and security and for supporting the government’s peace initiatives in Central Mindanao.” Rene AcostaPangilinan was the commander who failed or had refused to send military assets, including helicopters to the police commandos when they were pinned down by combined BIFF and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Fighters during the operations against regional terrorist and bomber Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan.During an investigation that was conducted by the Senate, senators and police officials claimed that had Pangilinan said the much needed support, the lives of most of the commandos could have been saved.Twenty three other Army personnel and civilians were also recognized during the anniversary celebration, including Col. Juvymax Uy, who was conferred with the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Legionnaire) for his services as Group Commander of the Army’s Intelligence and Security Group, and Lt. Col. Francisco Millare, commander of the 77th Infantry Battalion, who was given the Outstanding Achievement Medal.(BusinessMirror)